In a recent episode of the 2 Robbies Podcast, football pundit Paul Scholes expressed concerns about Arsenal’s handling of Jakub Kiwior, a £20 million signing from the previous year. Scholes particularly questioned the lack of a coherent strategy in deploying Kiwior, highlighting a recent game against Fulham where the Polish international was utilized as the left-back.
Despite Kiwior’s natural inclination for the left-back position, he appeared uncomfortable during the match, frequently drifting into the midfield. Scholes criticized this tactical decision, emphasizing that Kiwior seemed uneasy playing a role different from his accustomed position. The performance against Fulham was widely considered Arsenal’s worst in 2023.
While Kiwior has showcased technical prowess in various matches, the absence of a defined role within the squad has become apparent. Arsenal manager Arteta faces the challenge of determining the optimal position for Kiwior, particularly considering his preference for the left-back role.
However, the attempt to integrate him into a role similar to Oleksandr Zinchenko’s has proven incompatible with Kiwior’s style of play. Looking ahead to 2024, it becomes imperative for Arteta to identify and solidify Kiwior’s role within the squad. Beginning with the left-back position as a foundation, Arteta can tailor Kiwior’s role to better suit his strengths, potentially creating a specialized position that maximizes the Polish international’s talent.
In doing so, Arsenal aims to unlock Kiwior’s full potential and contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming seasons. The focus is on Arteta’s strategic decisions to establish a clear role for Kiwior, ensuring his integration aligns with the team’s objectives for greater success.
